Knock out brain tumours at Durham Boxing Academy

Fundraiser in Ajax April 14

DURHAM -- Durham residents are invited to knock out brain tumours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at Durham Boxing Academy, 91 Station St. Unit 2, Ajax.

The fundraiser features a boot camp, fitness challenge, massages and more in support of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Melissa Landry is working to raise $10,000 for the foundation, and the event is part of her campaign, which will culminate in a 13-hour walk-a-thon May 4 in Markham.

"Every day, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. My godfather Robert Blair was one of them," Ms. Landry said. "My godfather had a brain tumour that he battled for 13 years, and he died in the summer, so that's the significance of one hour for every year that he battled."

Admission to the Durham Boxing Academy event is $10 at the door, and includes lunch catered by Pita Pit as well as refreshments and a shot at prizes, including travel vouchers, golf passes, MAC makeup, gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates and more. All money raised goes directly to the foundation.

Ms. Landry is hoping her campaign will raise awareness as well as funds.

"There are currently 55,000 Canadians surviving with a brain tumour, and it's also the number-one cause of death in children under the age of 20 -- it surpasses leukemia, which I think a lot of people don't realize," she said.

People unable to attend the event, but who wish to show support, can donate online at www.braintumour.ca.

Ms. Landry appealed to all Durham residents to help her reach her goal.

"Help me make a difference," she challenged. "Help me imagine a cure."
Reporter Tara Hatherly can be found on Twitter @Tara_Hatherly and on Facebook by searching Tara Hatherly.